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Buying SEGA Consoles from Japan

Japan is the birthplace of some of the most iconic retro consoles - and few names evoke as much nostalgia as SEGA. From the Mega Drive to the Dreamcast, SEGA’s consoles have earned a cult following. Whether you’re a collector, retro gamer, or simply curious about Japanese versions of these systems, this guide will show you how to buy SEGA consoles, games, and accessories directly from Japan - complete with links, tips, and Japanese search phrases.

Why buy SEGA consoles from Japan?


  • Japan-Only Releases - Many SEGA consoles and accessories were released only in Japan, such as the Mega Drive Tower Mini, the SEGA Saturn HST-3220 or rare Dreamcast color variants.
  • Cheaper Prices - Japan often has better second-hand pricing due to the abundance of used electronics and the quality-conscious culture.
  • Complete Packages - Japanese sellers frequently include original boxes, manuals, and promotional materials.
  • Better Condition - Many items are kept in excellent condition, with detailed listings and grading.

Best online shops and marketplaces in Japan


Here are the top websites to search for SEGA consoles, accessories and games:


Yahoo! Auctions Japan (ヤフオク)

Great for: Bidding on used consoles, rare editions, game bundles.



Direct links for finding specific items on Yahoo! Auctions Japan:



Rakuten Japan (楽天市場)

Great for: New or refurbished PlayStation hardware from trusted stores.



Direct links for finding specific items on Rakuten:



Suruga-ya (駿河屋)

Great for: Retro consoles, games, and collector’s items.



Direct links for finding specific items on Suruga-ya:


Popular search phrases in Japanese


When shopping for SEGA consoles on Japanese platforms, use Japanese keywords for better results. Here's a list by console:

English termJapanese term
SG-1000SG-1000
SEGA Mark IIIセガ マーク3
Master Systemマスターシステム
Mega Driveメガドライブ
SEGA Saturnセガサターン
Dreamcastドリームキャスト
Game Gearゲームギア
SEGA Picoセガ ピコ
Accessories周辺機器
Gameソフト / ゲームソフト
Controllerコントローラー
Used中古
Boxed箱付き

What to watch out for when buying SEGA consoles in Japan


  • Region Locking: Some consoles and games (e.g., Saturn) are region-locked. You may need a Japanese console or a modded system to play them.
  • Power Supply Voltage: Japanese consoles run on 100V. Use a voltage converter if you live in a 110V/220V region.
  • Language Settings: Most Japanese SEGA consoles and games only support Japanese.
  • Condition Grading: Always read the listing carefully. “ジャンク (junk)” usually means non-working or for parts only.
  • Yellowing: Older consoles, like the Saturn or Mega Drive, often show plastic yellowing. Look at photos and descriptions for mention of “日焼け (sunburn)” or “変色 (discoloration).”